Duchess (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Neil Marshall’s latest film, Duchess (2024), has arrived with a lot of anticipation. Known for his work on cult favorites like The Descent and Dog Soldiers, Marshall attempts to craft a gritty, female-led crime thriller with Duchess. Unfortunately, the movie falls short in many areas, leaving audiences with a film that struggles to find its identity. Below, we dive into what works, what doesn’t, and where you can watch Duchess online.
Plot Overview: A Story of Crime and Vengeance
Duchess follows Scarlett Monaghan (played by Charlotte Kirk), a small-time crook whose life takes a dangerous turn when she becomes romantically involved with Robert McNaughton (Phillip Winchester), a wealthy diamond smuggler. Their affair leads Scarlett into the dark underworld of crime, where she is forced to navigate a labyrinth of danger and betrayal.
When a deal goes horribly wrong, resulting in Robert’s murder and Scarlett being left for dead, she embarks on a ruthless quest for vengeance. What follows is a blood-soaked journey as Scarlett takes on the criminal underworld, armed with nothing but her wits and the resources left behind by her late lover.
The Struggle for Identity
While Duchess boasts an intriguing premise and a strong cast, the film’s execution leaves much to be desired. The movie feels like a pale imitation of Guy Ritchie’s early work, filled with fast-paced editing, quirky dialogue, and a plot that tries too hard to be clever. Unfortunately, these elements are not enough to save Duchess from being an overly derivative and uneven experience.
The character of Scarlett is meant to be a strong, independent woman taking control of her destiny. However, the film often reduces her to a mere pawn in a male-dominated world. This inconsistency undermines the film’s attempt at presenting a feminist narrative, leaving viewers with a protagonist who lacks depth and authenticity.
Cinematography and Style
One of the few highlights of Duchess is its cinematography. The film effectively captures the gritty underbelly of London, with murky alleyways and dimly lit bars serving as the backdrop for much of the action. The use of rapid editing and freeze frames adds a kinetic energy to the film, though it occasionally becomes disorienting, detracting from the overall narrative flow.
Despite the stylish presentation, Duchess often falls into the trap of style over substance. The violence is graphic and frequent, but it rarely feels earned or necessary. Instead, it seems more like a distraction from the film’s lack of a coherent story or meaningful character development.
Where to Watch Duchess (2024) Online
For those interested in checking out Duchess despite its flaws, the film is available on several streaming platforms. Here’s where you can watch it:
Streaming Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Duchess is available for streaming with a Prime subscription or for purchase.
- Apple TV: You can rent or buy Duchess through Apple’s streaming service.
- Google Play Movies & TV: The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play.
- Vudu: Duchess can be rented or purchased on Vudu.
- YouTube Movies: The movie is also available for rent or purchase on YouTube’s movie platform.
Rental and Purchase Options:
If you prefer to rent or own a digital copy, Duchess is available on several major platforms, including:
- Amazon Video: Rent or buy in HD or SD.
- Apple TV: Available for rental or purchase in 4K.
- Google Play: Rent or buy in HD.
- Vudu: Rent or buy in HDX.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Duchess had the potential to be a standout in the crime thriller genre, especially with Neil Marshall at the helm. However, the film’s lack of originality, combined with a weak script and underdeveloped characters, results in a disappointing experience. While there are moments of style and intrigue, they are overshadowed by a narrative that fails to live up to its promise.
If you’re a fan of Neil Marshall’s previous work or enjoy gritty crime dramas, Duchess might be worth a watch. However, temper your expectations, as this is far from his best effort. For everyone else, you may want to explore other options in the crime thriller genre.
